By Greg Schmidt

I have been in the network marketing industry for about 5 years now. Being a
successful entrepreneur and a leader in the industry has taught me a lot. I am
going to share with you something that has brought me success to my life, and I
am not talking about money.

Being a true leader has taught me how to be a great listener. By nature, we
as humans receive 80% of our information through our eyes. Not our ears. Have
you ever had a conversation with someone you have never met and by the time the
conversation ended you forgot their name? Happens to all of us. I’ll bet you
remember what the person was wearing. You will also remember if the person was
tall, short, thin, or a little on the heavier side. So you end up referring to
that person as “the tall one with the brown hair and yellow shirt.”

Or how about this: Listening to a book on tape while you are in the car and
not remembering what was said once you reach your destination. This was me, just
today!! I am not a book on tape kind of person. Why is that? It’s because there
are too many distractions when you are driving. You have to pay attention to the
road and the surrounding environment to avoid an accident. I’d rather read a
book. Remember we are all visual people. I see the words on paper, I listen to
myself say the words and that’s how I understand.

Are you a sentence finisher? Many of us are. I know I was definitely one!
This means that we already have a response to someone’s sentence without
actually listening to them. Listen with the intent to understand!

We were all born with 2 ears and 1 mouth. Statistics show that we can hear
about 500 words a minute and only speak about 100 words a minute. The gap is
pretty big isn’t it? That’s when our mind goes elsewhere and information is
lost.

Some tips that help you become a better listener:

Take the time to remove yourself and person you are talking with to a less
distracting place. This can also be achieved by simply turning your back to
anything that is distracting. Then you don’t see the distractions. It’s easier
to speak in a distracting environment than to listen in one.

Resist the temptation to disagree. Many of us will interrupt someone the
second we disagree with them. We formulate a response to the person before they
even have finished their sentence. Don’t listen with the intent to respond.

Have good body language. What kind of message do you send someone when you
have your arms crossed? It means that you are in a “defensive mode” and don’t
agree with what someone is saying or just not interested in what is said. Sit up
straight with a little forward lean. This tells the speaker that you have
interest in what is said even though you may not agree.

Encourage the speaker. This means nodding your head every once in a while and
saying little words like “yeah” and “oh really?” This tells the speaker you’re
giving them the respect and that you are engaged in the conversation. Then they
are more open to listen to you when you have valuable information to share with
them.

I believe that listening shows the ultimate respect for someone else. So
remember this: To win people’s hearts, stop listening with the intent to respond
and start listening with the intent to understand!

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Greg Schmidt is an internet marketing consultant who love to share his ideas
to better the marketing skills it takes to become a more successful internet
business owner. He shares his stories of struggle, sacrifice and success with
everyone.

By Benjamin Marshall

Delegation is not just a job but is a skill that requires the application of
leadership qualities and some logical techniques. First, you have to select the
right candidate for the job. You need to provide him with a detailed job
description, expected results, available resources. Answer any questions. Once
you have chosen a delegate, you may then begin to move forward to the steps of
delegation.

What to Delegate?

Knowing how to delegate it is equally important as knowing what to delegate.
Here are some primary questions you should ask yourself before delegating work.

1. Can anyone else do the job instead of you?
2. Can someone else do the job better than you?
3. Can they do the task without your supervision?
4. Can they do the job at a lower cost than you?
5. Will the job provide an opportunity to the employees to grow?

Seven Steps to Success

Effective delegation always begins with an agreement between two individuals
where the assignee of the task agrees to take on the responsibility.

Here are seven golden rules to follow to achieve an effective delegation.

1. Identify the desired result: You must plan a desired output. Be sure what
   you want to get done through others. You have to be clear and explain your
   desired outcome to the delegate.
2. Decide the guidelines and standards: Secondly, you have to set some
   standards and plan the order of work. It should be properly communicated to your
   delegate. Answer all of his/her queries and doubts and make sure he/she
   understands them thoroughly.
3. Define the resources: It is your duty to educate your delegate about the
   available resources and budget, within which he has to function.
4. Assure rewards and consequences: The fourth rule is to follow the logical
   aspect of an individual’s mind. People will take more interest in the job only
   if they are sure that their work will be rewarded and appreciated appropriately.
   Hence, inform your subordinates that good work will carry adequate rewards and
   vice versa.
5. Let them practice: The fifth step involves that you provide your delegates
   appropriate time to practice. Initially they may commit mistakes. However, you
   can guide them by providing feedback. Remember that only practice can make a man
   perfect.
6. Entrust the total responsibility: As a sixth rule you must now handover the
   full responsibility to the delegate once he/she is ready to take over the job.
   Give him/her total freedom to plan his course of action and let them to set
   their expertise into motion.
7. Monitor their progress: The seventh and final rule is that you have to
   monitor the work done by the delegate. You have to fix periodical reporting
   schedules and discuss the progress of work. Thus, you can make sure that your
   delegates are proceeding in the right direction and are capable of rectifying
   errors if any.

Delegation should always be for the all-round development of everyone
associated with the company. A successful supervisor should therefore know how
to delegate efficiently. Using these suggested tips is guaranteed to lead you
into the direction of successful delegation.

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Benjamin is an internet marketing consultant and trainer who has helped
expert authors publish digital content and information products on the internet.
He is currently helping small businesses take advantage of global resources such
as
outsourcing and link building services.

By Daniel Leidl

Tough Times Call for Tough Measures, Rallying the Troops, Circling the
Wagons, Bunkering Down may all seem like maxed-out maxims in today’s ailing
economy, but what other rallying cries can today’s executives call on? As
layoffs and cutbacks ravage the headlines, is it possible to keep employees
motivated to turn a profit, trudge forward, and maintain business as usual? The
future seems murky, as the economy has only been weaker at one other point in
the nation’s history, an era defined by a moniker of human suffering. A Great
Depression does not seem like anything we would want to revisit, and yet, we
have been assured that our current situation is sure to get worse before it gets
better.

While times may look bleak, there is still work to be done and opportunities
to prosper. As with much in life, forward we go regardless of whether we are
prepared and willing. So how do we best advance in such uncommon hours? As
organizational leaders, how do we strive forward while motivating others to do
the same? First off, we may be best to cast aside the trite sayings from above
and reach down into deeper wells, as profound concerns demand profound
solutions. In this regard, increasing the gravity of your language, and painting
a sincere picture of your business amidst the looming historical crisis may
actually benefit motivation. Tying daily efforts into larger, global, and
historical issues infuses the oftentimes monotonous work environment with a
well-founded sense of importance and magnitude. Reminding employees that
sidestepping the obstacles of today’s markets is the stuff of history creates an
engaging motivational narrative that frames a paycheck as more of a bonus than a
single motivational carrot.

Highlighting the historic importance of the mission only sets the stage for
the real motivational punch. First employees have to believe that their efforts
are needed, and then they have to understand how they can help. Establishing
expectations and goals for your staff will serve you well. Providing employees
with a plan of action and objectives to strive for will assist them in
channeling their energy and skill-sets toward accomplishing the tasks ahead.
Begin the journey with a defined destination, and then invite the talents and
enthusiasm of the staff to help the organization advance towards its ends.

People want to achieve, want to be a part of success, and want a stake in the
advancements with which they are associated. Empowering employees to roll up
their sleeves and help out wherever they may be needed could yield unexpected
and welcomed results while augmenting motivation. People will passionately throw
themselves into an opportunity if they are have the skills to succeed and are
empowered to try. Encouraging employees to dedicate themselves to the
organization’s success regardless of their position or bureaucratic policies
will enhance motivation while increasing communication and inter-departmental
synchronicity. In such times, decreasing red-tape may increase buy-in and output
as employees become motivated to give all of themselves to efforts they have a
personal stake in.

Finally, an inspiring leader is keen at pointing out moments of achievement
with praise and acknowledgment. As employees sail the organization through rough
and tumble waters, the captain needs to continually call out words of
encouragement and support while more formally addressing triumphs as the waters
calm. As you advance toward your goals take the time to congratulate and praise
the good ideas, the late nights, the lunch-less days, and early morning arrivals
that keep the organization moving forward. Similarly, each employee is a
necessary cog in the machine, all working to keep the machine functioning
efficiently and effectively, and all efforts to advance the organization should
be praised regardless of how rudimentary they may seem.

From The Hobbit and Lawrence of Arabia to Harriet Tubman
and Moses, great journeys are wrought with peril, loss, suffering, and pain. But
they also reap great reward. History has left us with a belief in the balanced
equation: The more we put in, the more we gain. Today’s climate is teeming with
possibility and hope, but the payout is unlikely to come quickly or easily. The
leaders of today’s organizations have a distinct opportunity to sail through and
navigate unchartered and rough waters. Those who are successful will maintain a
motivated staff that may not even know why they are continually excited to go to
work. The savvy leaders among us will subtly instill the philosophies outlined
herein through day to day efforts, unexpected opportunities for career
advancement, and unscheduled celebrations. In adopting such principles employees
are likely to continue to work hard and advance in the direction of the
organization’s goals regardless of the difficult times ahead.

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Daniel Leidl, PhD is a Managing Partner of Meno Consulting, a consulting firm
specializing in leadership development, motivation, organizational culture, and
team building. Dan can be reached through http://www.menoconsulting.com

By Barabara White  

A mark of a good leader is to be able to provide consistent motivation to his team encouraging them to attain excellence and quality in their performance. A good leader is always looking for ways to improve production and standards. Here are six management skills you can develop as a leader in working to create a quality effective team.

1. Observation
This is an important aspect that often gets neglected due the demands on a leader’s time and schedule. Observation and regular visits to the work environment are a priority and should be scheduled into the calendar. Observing employees at work, the procedures, interaction and work flow is foundational to implementing adjustments to improve results. To have credibility, a leader needs to be seen and be known to be up to date with what is happening in the work place.

2. Monitor Employee Performance
Employee performance needs to be monitored in mutually accepted ways. Policies and procedures need to be clear. Conferencing should be on a regular basis and not just when there is a problem. Assessments and evaluations should not be merely all formality or viewed a necessary paperwork to be done and filed away. Individual and group conferencing should be undertaken not only to monitor performance, but with the expectation of on going professional development and support. There should be frequent encouragement and clear criteria for on going goals both for the group and individual.

3. Implementation of Professional Development Programs
A good leader evaluates weaknesses and provides training and development strategies to strengthen the weaker skills in the team.

4. Demonstrates Working Knowledge and Expertise
Good leadership comes from a place of strong knowledge and experience of the production and process leading to results. If a leader does not possess all the expertise and knowledge personally, then regular consultations with experts involved in the departments should be held. This is important in order to maintain an accurate and informed overall picture.

5. Good Decision Making
Good leadership is characterized by the ability to make good decisions. A leader considers all the different factors before making a decision. Clear firm decisions, combined with the willingness and flexibility to adapt and adjust decisions when necessary, create confidence in the leadership.

6. Ability to Conduct and Evaluate Research
On going review and research is vital in order to keep on the cutting edge in business. While managing the present to ensure on going excellence in product and performance, a good leader is also able to look towards the future. Conducting and evaluating research is an important way of planning and being prepared for the future.

Excellent leadership is always pro active rather than reactive. By developing these six managerial skills builds a solid foundation for success.

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Barbara White, is a speaker and trainer in Leadership Skills
For more Leadership Articles

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Leaders  should constantly be developing their leadership abilities. There is a common thread of characteristics that effective leaders share. Below are seven attributes that make an effective leader:

1. Trust-Have you ever wanted to follow someone whom you don’t trust? Trust is a key aspect of any relationship. Individuals with integrity who live honest lives are generally those whom others want to follow. An effective leader should be trustworthy so that the people whom they serve can look up to them.
2. Enthusiasm-A positive attitude contributes greatly to the work environment. A leader can excite people about projects that they are working on, helping them to see the final product of the task at hand. This enthusiasm can trickle through the work environment to others so that others will want to be around the individual.  
3. Self-Confidence-Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, but a leader should have a high degree of self confidence. They should know where they are going and how they are going to get there.  It is hard for individuals to follow an unstable person. Confidence attracts individuals as they know that the leader believes in him or herself as well as those who are following him.
4. Innovation-There are those who pull out the textbook when there is a problem so that they can find the correct answer. An effective leader will develop new ideas and ways to fix things. They will not come up with the reply, “No solution.” They will use creativity to find reasonable solutions to problems.
5. Accountability-A good leader will be accountable for events and will not blame them on others. They will correct others when needed, but will take responsibility of situations that lie ahead of them.
6. Effective Communicator-Where there is no communication, problems arise. Effective communication is important to those who are leading and following. An effective leader will make sure that those who are following understand what their tasks are and will follow through with them.
7. Commitment-When we know that someone is committed to the task at hand, they are dependable. Effective leaders are reliable and get the job done no matter what the costs. When they make a commitment, they see to it that it gets completed.  

These seven attributes of an effective leader are essential to develop regardless of the leadership position that an individual holds. Strengthening these leadership qualities can be done on a personal basis through observation and practice. It takes time and practice to develop leadership skills. Observing leaders with these qualities may be a good way to learn how to strengthen your own leadership abilities.

What makes a leader? Are they born with innate qualities or do they learn and develop them?

We all are at different stages in our lives. Some of us carry within us a high level of self-confidence while others are struggling to pull themselves out of the slums.

I want you to pause and take a moment to ponder. Who is someone who you look up to? Someone whom you admire? Someone whom you just wish you could be like? Now, don’t turn this over in your head too long, or you may realize that you are just like every other human being in the world, imperfect.

I’m sure there are many in the world who are born with inherent leadership qualities. For instance, President George H.W. Bush Senior had a son that also became President of the United States. There are always exceptions and excuses as to why an individual may not be good enough, smart enough, or confident enough to set out on a limb and make a difference.

Well, guess what? The fact of the matter is that you can be someone whom others admire, look up to and even want to follow! Wow, can you imagine that? It may not be on the scale that you are envisioning, but you can develop qualities that can help you to become a leader.

In order to develop leadership qualities here are three areas in which you can begin to work on:

1. Observe Others-Watch those whom you admire and whom are good leaders. Observe, why others follow them. Take note of the qualities and attributes that they have that have helped them to become leaders.
2. Evaluate yourself-Honesty with yourself is important in understanding yourself. When evaluating your strengths and weaknesses, honestly ponder and record them. A good leader needs to know themselves if they are to improve their leadership ability. Take note of areas that you can personally improve upon and strengthen.
3. Set Goals-Once you have discovered some leadership qualities that you can develop, set goals to develop those qualities. Try to improve upon your weaknesses in order to gain greater confidence in areas that you may struggle in.

Working in these three areas can help you to improve yourself and to develop leadership abilities that will help you in your career, community and family.

by Alan L. Olsen, CPA, MBA (tax)
Managing Partner
Greenstein Rogoff Olsen & Co. LLP

What makes a good leader? Is it self-discipline, intelligence, the ability to inspire others, or is it something else? Perhaps a better question might be; what makes me a leader? Far too often we seek leadership qualities in others, only to be disappointed. Each morning, the mirror reminds us of at least one person whose motives should meet all of our expectations. There is no limit to what an army of these individuals can accomplish; they simply need to take that first step. Before they know it they’ll be making the world a better place, leading by example and developing within themselves the very qualities they once sought in others.

During difficult economic times, community service and civic involvement provide outstanding leadership opportunities. One person transcending his own circumstances to help another is the most effective solution for many of our social and community problems. In most cases, the infrastructure for service is already in place. It costs cities and communities nothing, and volunteers can target the highest priority needs or individuals who require immediate attention. Whether you have highly valued skills, or just a willingness to help, chances are there is a local organization that desperately needs your help.

As far as training to become a leader is concerned, two distinct avenues come to mind. First, you simply roll up your sleeves and get to work. Second, no institution better trains young people to become the community leaders this country so desperately needs than the Boy Scouts of America. At a young age, my parents taught me the importance of helping others and being involved. But this concept did not really become part of who I am until I earned my Eagle Scout Award; it’s been a habit ever since. Best of all, service is infectious; now, at my place of work, most of my colleagues are heavily involved in their communities.

Leading by example is rarely easy or convenient. As you would expect, our accounting firm is extremely busy in the spring; yet in March and April our employees were heavily involved in multiple community activities. The administrative staff took time out of assembling tax returns to hand out “Book Buck$” prizes to school children. We had tax accountants filling out five dollar sponsorship forms for the Tri-Cities “Ducks for Bucks Benefit Race.” One particular employee threw himself energetically into the Fremont Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Fremont program. Other members of the firm participated in the “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive. Though difficult, individually and collectively, all of us have benefited and grown tremendously through these efforts and experiences.

Through volunteer service, one begins to develop true leadership qualities that help the community become a better place for us all. Some people are natural leaders while others have to work at it. But the crucial lesson is that anyone can lead by example. And service is the best way I know of to achieve leadership development for a strong business and community.